Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kylian Mbappé and Edison Cavani

Ligue 1’s Greatest: The Top 15 Goal Scorers Since 2000

January 28, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Ligue 1 has long been a stage for some of the greatest talents in football to showcase their skills. Since the turn of the millennium, the French top flight has seen an extraordinary array of goal scorers who have captivated fans with their brilliance. From dazzling speedsters to clinical finishers, these players have left an indelible mark on the league, consistently finding the back of the net and securing their places in history.

15. Florian Thauvin – 86 Goals

Florian Thauvin carved out his place in Ligue 1 history with his remarkable technical ability and eye for goal. Representing clubs like Marseille, he notched 86 goals in 272 appearances. Known for his sharp left foot and flair on the wings, Thauvin was instrumental in helping Marseille reach a Europa League final in 2018. His consistency in the league earned him a spot in the French national team, even contributing to their 2018 World Cup win.

14. Mevlüt Erdinç – 92 Goals

Mevlüt Erdinç was a clinical striker who brought energy and determination to the pitch. With 92 goals in 302 Ligue 1 matches, he played for multiple clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes. Erdinç’s peak came during his PSG tenure, where his dynamic partnership with Guillaume Hoarau helped the team contend in European competitions. Though his form fluctuated later in his career, his reliability in front of goal remained a hallmark.

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13. Djibril Cissé – 96 Goals

Djibril Cissé’s explosive pace and powerful shots made him one of Ligue 1’s standout forwards in the early 2000s. Over 166 appearances, he netted 96 goals for Auxerre and Marseille. Cissé’s best season came in 2001-02, when he topped the scoring charts with 22 goals for Auxerre. Despite enduring significant injuries, his ability to find the net never wavered, and he remains a fan favorite in French football.

12. Mamadou Niang – 100 Goals

Mamadou Niang made his mark with his physicality and clinical finishing, scoring 100 goals in 248 Ligue 1 matches. Most notably, he was a star for Marseille, where he won the Ligue 1 title in 2010. Niang’s leadership and knack for scoring in crucial moments helped Marseille reestablish themselves as a dominant force in French football during his tenure.

11. Kevin Gameiro – 101 Goals

Kevin Gameiro’s technical skill and predatory instincts earned him a reputation as one of Ligue 1’s most reliable strikers. Scoring 101 goals in 259 games, Gameiro shined for clubs like Lorient and PSG. His ability to adapt to different styles of play made him a key figure wherever he played, and he later enjoyed significant success in European competitions after leaving Ligue 1.

10. Jimmy Briand – 102 Goals

A versatile forward, Jimmy Briand’s consistency across a long career saw him rack up 102 goals in 513 Ligue 1 appearances. He represented clubs like Rennes, Lyon, and Bordeaux, often contributing in crucial moments. Known for his intelligence and ability to link up play, Briand’s longevity and professionalism set him apart in an era of rapidly changing squads.

9. Dimitri Payet – 103 Goals

Dimitri Payet is celebrated for his creativity and spectacular goals, amassing 103 goals in 416 Ligue 1 matches. Playing primarily as an attacking midfielder, Payet’s vision and dead-ball expertise made him a constant threat. His standout performances came at Marseille, where he was pivotal in leading the team to the 2018 Europa League final and becoming a fan favorite.

8. André-Pierre Gignac – 103 Goals

André-Pierre Gignac’s physical presence and goal-scoring ability earned him 103 goals in 289 Ligue 1 matches. Gignac starred for Toulouse and Marseille, where he consistently delivered in big games. Known for his powerful strikes and tireless work ethic, Gignac’s contributions were instrumental in Marseille’s successes during his tenure.

7. Zlatan Ibrahimović – 113 Goals

Zlatan Ibrahimović brought an unmatched flair and dominance to Ligue 1, scoring 113 goals in just 122 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain. His arrival in 2012 marked the beginning of PSG’s modern era of dominance, as Zlatan won four consecutive league titles with the club. Known for his extraordinary technical ability and larger-than-life persona, Zlatan remains one of the league’s greatest-ever imports.

6. Bafétimbi Gomis – 122 Goals

Bafétimbi Gomis combined strength, agility, and clinical finishing to score 122 goals in 340 Ligue 1 matches. Representing clubs like Saint-Étienne, Lyon, and Marseille, Gomis was a consistent performer who could turn games on their head. His memorable hat-tricks and late goals earned him a reputation as a dependable striker in some of Ligue 1’s most competitive eras.

5. Edinson Cavani – 138 Goals

Edison Cavani — Cosmin Iftode / Shutterstock.com

Edinson Cavani’s relentless work rate and predatory instincts made him a standout striker for Paris Saint-Germain. Scoring 138 goals in 200 appearances, Cavani became PSG’s all-time leading scorer before being surpassed by Kylian Mbappé. A two-time Ligue 1 top scorer, Cavani’s ability to deliver in high-pressure moments cemented his legacy as one of the best strikers of his generation.

4. Pauleta – 151 Goals

Pauleta’s goal-scoring prowess made him a legend in French football, as he racked up 151 goals in 266 Ligue 1 matches. The Portuguese striker shined for Bordeaux and Paris Saint-Germain, where his clinical finishing and composure in front of goal were unmatched. Pauleta’s contributions were key to PSG’s resurgence in the early 2000s.

3. Alexandre Lacazette – 151 Goals

Alexandre Lacazette has been a consistent performer in Ligue 1, with 151 goals in 283 appearances for Lyon. Known for his versatility and ability to score from various positions, Lacazette was the league’s top scorer in the 2014-15 season. After returning to Lyon in 2022 following a stint at Arsenal, Lacazette continues to be a force in French football.

2. Wissam Ben Yedder – 161 Goals

Wissam Ben Yedder has been a prolific scorer in Ligue 1, with 161 goals in 320 appearances for Toulouse and Monaco. Known for his technical ability and sharp movement, Ben Yedder consistently ranks among the league’s top scorers. His leadership at Monaco has been instrumental in maintaining their competitive edge in recent years.

1. Kylian Mbappé – 191 Goals

At just 25 years old, Kylian Mbappé has already cemented his place as Ligue 1’s most prolific scorer since 2000. With 191 goals in 246 matches, Mbappé has dominated the league with his pace, skill, and clinical finishing. A six-time Ligue 1 top scorer, he has played a key role in Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance and is poised to break even more records in the years to come.